Bishkek is hosting the CYBERFINANCE 2026 forum and cyber exercise, dedicated to cybersecurity, the development of digital finance, and protecting citizens from online fraud. The event was organized by the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic jointly with the Iskhak Razzakov Kyrgyz State Technical University, the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, Kaspersky Lab, and GreenLight LLC.

The forum brought together more than 120 representatives of government agencies, the banking sector, international organizations, IT companies, experts, and students. The central topic of the meeting was modern challenges in digital finance, including the use of artificial intelligence, the development of digital payments, and combating cyber fraud.

Speaking at the opening of the forum, Sanzhar Abdygaziev, a member of the board of the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic, noted that the financial system is undergoing a period of rapid digital transformation.

«We live in an era of digital transformation. Stablecoins, artificial intelligence, and digital payments are changing the familiar environment, opening up new opportunities for the development and increased accessibility of financial services. Cybersecurity issues are becoming not only a technological but also an economic challenge,» he said.

According to Abdygaziev, modern artificial intelligence technologies are capable of analyzing large volumes of data, identifying patterns, and creating digital content that is virtually indistinguishable from real life. At the same time, the technology itself remains a neutral tool, and the consequences of its use depend on who uses it.

He emphasized that the National Bank’s task is not only to respond promptly to emerging threats but also to create a modern regulatory environment capable of evolving alongside technology or even outpacing it.

«Our goal is to create conditions in which innovations develop safely, and digital financial services remain reliable and secure for every citizen,» the National Bank board member noted.

According to him, effectively countering modern cyber threats requires a comprehensive approach, including developing a national cybersecurity system, improving anti-fraud mechanisms, and strengthening anti-fraud systems.

The forum also includes Capture the Flag (CTF) cyber exercises, where student teams practice identifying and repelling cyberattacks that closely mimic real-life scenarios. The organizers hope the event will contribute to the development of human resources in the field of information security.